Largest Ponggal Pot at Batu Caves

Ponggal at Batu Caves took an unique look as a large 3 metre tall pot was used to cook the ponggal. An estimated 18,500 litres of milk were used. The ponggal was then used for offering and also distributed to the devotees. Its an entry in Malaysian Book of Records, and probably in the world records as well. Government allocated RM80k via Culture Ministry

Yeah, its a tourist attraction and a chance to highlight the culture. Perhaps they should have also held a community ponggal session for those interested to cook their own ponggal as well. That would have provided extra kick for tourists and visitors.

PS: I wonder with all the prominence given to Ponggal nowadays, got any chance of making it a public holiday ka? 🙂

It was a record-breaking Ponggal at Batu Caves last night when a 3m-tall pot was used to boil milk, making it the largest pot to be used for the festival in Malaysia.

The pot, which has a volume of 18,500 litres and weighs 700kg, entered the Malaysia Book Of Records as the largest pot used for Ponggal.

Onlookers, who were amused and amazed by the large pot, were seen taking photographs of it.

The pot was powered by several gas tanks and the milk inside had to be constantly stirred by two men.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, who attended the Ponggal celebration at Batu Caves last night, took the opportunity to add milk to the pot to mark the momentous occasion.

“I’ve never seen a bigger milk pot in my life. I was told by Malaysia Book Of Records founder (Datuk Danny Ooi) that this pot, together with its stainless steel heating, is 2.7m in diameter, making it the world’s largest area to boil milk,” he said at the event last night.

He urged Malaysians to love the country for what it was and ignore what critics might say about the nation.

“Let us regard the Ponggal celebration as a sign that we are united. The ministry will always support the community in making this festival a success,” he said.

Sri Maha Mariamman Devasathanam temple committee chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said he wanted to celebrate the festival with a large pot as a way of encouraging people to participate in cultural celebrations such as Ponggal.

“Our intention is to promote the arts and culture of the Tamil community,” he said.

On another matter, Dr Rais said the ministry was working towards having Batu Caves gazetted as a world heritage site by the United Nations by 2015.